Q: Is Cultural Competency training mandatory for Registered Nurses in Illinois?

A: Yes. Cultural Competency training is mandatory for licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) in Illinois beginning with the 2026 license renewal.

• State: Illinois
• Profession: Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Required Hours: 1 hour per renewal cycle
• Governing Rule/Citation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250

Illinois RNs must complete one hour of Cultural Competency continuing education during each license renewal cycle and maintain documentation as part of their CE records. This requirement continues for all renewals after 2026.

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Registered Nurses – 2026 License Renewal Guide

Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois RNs: Beginning with 2026 renewals, Illinois registered nurses (RNs) must complete 1 hour of Cultural Competency continuing education (CE). This new requirement promotes health equity by equipping nurses to respectfully and effectively care for patients from all cultural backgrounds.

If you’re a licensed RN in Illinois, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant — and how to complete this training online, quickly and easily.

Illinois Requirement – Cultural Competency CE for Registered Nurses

Under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250, all Illinois healthcare professionals who are subject to continuing education — including licensed registered nurses — must complete at least one hour of Cultural Competency CE during each renewal cycle.

This requirement becomes mandatory for license renewals due in 2026 and remains in place for all future renewal periods. RNs are responsible for completing and documenting this CE activity as part of their ongoing education requirements.

Complete Your CE Requirement Online

Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour Cultural Competency course designed to meet the Illinois state requirement for RNs. It’s fast, flexible, and easy to complete online.

• 100% online and mobile-friendly
• Self-paced — complete anytime
• Instant certificate of completion
• Approved for the 2026 Illinois RN renewal cycle

Why Cultural Competency Matters in Nursing Practice

Cultural Competency CE helps registered nurses to:

• Understand how culture, language, and identity influence health beliefs and behaviors
• Improve communication and build stronger therapeutic relationships with patients
• Deliver equitable, patient-centered care to individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Promote trust in healthcare and reduce health disparities

This CE requirement not only supports compliance — it plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and strengthening nursing practice across all settings.

Accreditation

Renew Now CE is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education. This course meets ANCC standards and is accepted by nursing boards, including the Illinois Board of Nursing.

Q: Is Cultural Competency training mandatory for Chiropractic Physicians in Illinois?

A: Yes. Cultural Competency training is mandatory for licensed Chiropractic Physicians in Illinois beginning with the 2026 license renewal.

• State: Illinois
• Profession: Chiropractic Physicians
• Required Hours: 1 hour per renewal cycle
• Governing Rule/Citation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250

Illinois Chiropractic Physicians must complete one hour of Cultural Competency continuing education during each license renewal cycle and maintain documentation as part of their CE records. This requirement continues for all renewals after 2026.

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Chiropractic Physicians – 2026 License Renewal Guide

Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois chiropractic physicians: Beginning with 2026 license renewals, all chiropractic physicians in Illinois must complete at least 1 hour of Cultural Competency continuing education (CE). This requirement is part of a broader initiative to promote health equity and ensure culturally responsive care for all patients across the state.

If you are a licensed chiropractic physician in Illinois, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant — and how you can easily fulfill this requirement online.

Illinois Requirement – Cultural Competency CE for Chiropractic Physicians

Under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250, all Illinois healthcare professionals who are subject to continuing education — including chiropractic physicians — must complete at least one hour of Cultural Competency CE during each renewal cycle.

This requirement becomes mandatory for license renewals due in 2026 and will remain in effect for future renewal periods. Chiropractic physicians are responsible for completing and documenting this CE activity as part of their license renewal process.

Why Cultural Competency Matters in Chiropractic Care

Cultural Competency CE helps chiropractic physicians deliver more effective care by recognizing how culture, background, and personal beliefs can influence health decisions and outcomes. Training in this area can help:

• Enhance communication with patients from diverse backgrounds
• Improve care outcomes and patient satisfaction
• Reduce health disparities and promote equity in care delivery
• Foster stronger patient-provider relationships

By meeting this requirement, chiropractic physicians support a more inclusive, patient-centered approach to musculoskeletal and holistic care.

Meet the Cultural Competency Requirement Online

Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour Cultural Competency course specifically designed to meet the 2026 Illinois renewal requirement. Our course is convenient, accredited, and easy to complete from any device.

• 100% online and mobile-friendly
• Self-paced format — start and finish anytime
• Instant certificate of completion
• Meets 2026 Illinois Cultural Competency CE requirement

Accreditation

Renew Now CE is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education. Our courses meet ANCC standards and are accepted by many state medical boards. Physicians should confirm acceptance with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) or their employer if needed.

Q: Is Cultural Competency training mandatory for Osteopathic Physicians in Illinois?

A: Yes. Cultural Competency training is mandatory for licensed Osteopathic Physicians in Illinois beginning with the 2026 license renewal.

• State: Illinois
• Profession: Osteopathic Physicians
• Required Hours: 1 hour per renewal cycle
• Governing Rule/Citation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250

Illinois Osteopathic Physicians must complete one hour of Cultural Competency continuing education during each license renewal cycle and retain proof of completion as part of their CE records. This requirement continues for all renewals after 2026.

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Osteopathic Physicians – 2026 License Renewal Guide

Beginning with 2026 renewals, the Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Osteopathic physicians is now mandatory. Under this new rule, all licensed Illinois physicians must complete one hour of Cultural Competency continuing education (CE) during each renewal cycle. This requirement reflects a growing commitment across the state to improve health equity and deliver respectful, culturally sensitive care to patients of all backgrounds.

If you’re a licensed physician in Illinois, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant—and how to complete your Cultural Competency CE online, easily and affordably.

Illinois Requirement – Cultural Competency CE for Physicians

According to 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250, all Illinois licensed healthcare professionals who are required to complete CE—including physicians—must complete at least one hour of Cultural Competency CE as part of every license renewal cycle.

This requirement begins with the 2026 license renewal and continues for all renewals thereafter. Physicians must retain proof of completion in their CE records, as part of the standard license renewal documentation process.

Why Cultural Competency Matters in Medical Practice

Cultural Competency CE helps physicians:

• Understand how culture and social identity affect patient health beliefs and treatment decisions
• Improve communication with patients from diverse backgrounds
• Deliver more inclusive, respectful care
• Reduce health disparities and improve patient outcomes

This CE requirement is more than a box to check—it’s an opportunity to enhance care quality across all specialties and practice settings.

Complete Your CE Requirement Online

Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour Cultural Competency course that meets the Illinois state requirement for physicians and can be completed from any device.

• 100% online and mobile-friendly
• Complete at your own pace
• Instant certificate of completion
• Meets the 2026 Illinois license renewal requirement

Accreditation

Renew Now CE is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education. Our courses meet ANCC standards and are accepted by many state medical boards. Physicians should confirm acceptance with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) or their employer if needed.

Q: Is Cultural Competency training mandatory for Physicians in Illinois?

A: Yes. Cultural Competency training is mandatory for licensed Physicians in Illinois beginning with the July 31, 2026 license renewal.

• State: Illinois
• Profession: Physicians
• Required Hours: 1 hour every 6 years
• Governing Rule/Citation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.525

Illinois physicians must complete one hour of Cultural Competency continuing education by the July 31, 2026 renewal deadline. This training counts toward the required 150 CME hours and applies to all licensed physicians, unless exempt due to first-time renewal status.

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Complete your cultural competency requirement today or save with our 4-course Illinois bundle.

Illinois Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Physicians

Starting with the July 31, 2026 renewal, all Illinois physicians must complete 1 hour of cultural competency continuing education. This new state-mandated requirement applies to all licensed physicians in Illinois.

What You Need to Know

• Required: 1 hour of cultural competency training
• Frequency: Every 6 years
• First Deadline: July 31, 2026
• Applies To: All Illinois physicians
• Counts Toward: Your 150-hour CME requirement

What Is Cultural Competency?

According to Illinois law (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.525), cultural competency means “a set of integrated attitudes, knowledge, and skills that enables a healthcare professional to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities.”

This training helps you:

• Understand how cultural background influences patient health beliefs
• Communicate effectively with diverse patient populations
• Reduce health disparities in your practice
• Provide more equitable, patient-centered care

Other Illinois CME Requirements for 2026

In addition to cultural competency, Illinois physicians must complete:

Every 3 Years:

• Sexual Harassment Prevention – 1 hour
• Implicit Bias Awareness – 1 hour

Every 6 Years:

• Safe Opioid Prescribing – 1 hour (if you hold a controlled substance license)
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care – 1 hour (if you see patients 26+)

Save time and money: Complete all 4 mandated courses at once with our Illinois Mandatory Bundle (Sexual Harassment, Implicit Bias, Cultural Competency, and Alzheimer’s).

Complete Your Cultural Competency Requirement Online

Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour online cultural competency course that meets Illinois state requirements.

Course Features:

• ✓ ANCC-accredited continuing education
• ✓ Meets Illinois IDFPR requirements
• ✓ 100% online – complete on any device
• ✓ Self-paced learning
• ✓ Instant certificate of completion

Complete Your Cultural Competency CE Now →

FAQs

When did this requirement start?

The first deadline is July 31, 2026.

Does this increase my total CME hours?

No. The 1 hour counts toward your existing 150-hour CME requirement.

Can I complete this now, before my renewal?

Yes. Any training completed during your current license cycle (August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2026) counts toward the requirement.

I’m a new physician – do I need this for my first renewal?

Physicians renewing for the first time after initial licensure are exempt from the 150-hour CME requirement, including mandated topics.

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Don’t wait until the July 31, 2026 deadline. Complete your cultural competency requirement today or save with our 4-course Illinois bundle.

Last Updated: October 2025 | Illinois Physician License Renewal Deadline: July 31, 2026

Q: Is Cultural Competency training mandatory for Pharmacists in Illinois?

A: Yes. Cultural Competency training is mandatory for licensed Pharmacists in Illinois beginning with 2026 license renewals.

• State: Illinois
• Profession: Pharmacists
• Required Hours: 1 hour per renewal cycle
• Governing Rule/Citation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250

Illinois pharmacists must complete at least one hour of Cultural Competency continuing education during each renewal cycle, document completion, and retain it as part of their CE portfolio. This requirement applies to 2026 renewals and all future cycles.

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Pharmacists – 2026 License Renewal Guide

Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Pharmacists: Beginning with 2026 renewals, Illinois pharmacists must complete 1 hour of Cultural Competency continuing education (CE). This new requirement is part of a broader statewide initiative to improve health equity and ensure patients of all cultural backgrounds receive respectful, inclusive care.

If you’re a licensed pharmacist in Illinois, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant — and how to complete this training online, quickly and easily.

Illinois Requirement – Cultural Competency CE for Pharmacists

Under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250, all Illinois healthcare professionals who are subject to continuing education — including licensed pharmacists — must complete at least one hour of Cultural Competency CE during each renewal cycle.

This requirement becomes mandatory for license renewals due in 2026 and remains a standing requirement in all future renewal cycles.

Pharmacists are responsible for documenting this CE activity as part of their regular continuing education portfolio.

Why Cultural Competency Matters in Pharmacy Practice

Cultural Competency CE equips pharmacists with tools to:

• Better understand how culture and background influence medication beliefs and health behaviors
• Avoid miscommunication and improve adherence
• Provide inclusive care to patients from diverse populations
• Reduce barriers to care and build trust in healthcare systems

This training is not only a compliance requirement — it’s a key part of improving outcomes across all pharmacy settings.

Complete Your CE Requirement Online

Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour Cultural Competency course that is fully compliant with Illinois state requirements and easy to complete from any device.

• 100% online and mobile-friendly
• Complete at your own pace
• Instant certificate of completion
• Meets the 2026 Illinois renewal requirement

Accreditation

Renew Now CE is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education. This course meets ANCC standards and is widely accepted by pharmacy boards, though pharmacists should confirm acceptance with the Illinois Board of Pharmacy or their employer if needed.